More than 100 rising second- and third-year Fordham Law students are completing summer associate programs, judicial internships, and fellowships throughout the country and around the world this summer. Through their experiences, they are forging new connections, honing their lawyering skills, and immersing themselves in the practice of law while pursuing their passions.
Justin Chaljub ’25 is spending the summer working for Debevoise & Plimpton in the firm’s New York office in the Hudson Yards district.
“This summer opportunity puts the theory of classroom learning into practice and has helped refine my path in best combining my interests in business, law, and sports,” says Chaljub.
What is your hometown?
West Palm Beach, FL.
Where did you study before Fordham Law?
I earned my B.A. in Public Policy at the University of Chicago and my M.B.A. at Georgetown University.
What are your areas of interest?
I am interested in M&A, real estate, restructuring, antitrust law, and investment management.
What are you doing this summer?
I’m a summer law clerk at Debevoise & Plimpton, working in the New York City office until late July.
What attracted you to this summer associate program?
Debevoise & Plimpton is an excellent law firm with a strong reputation in my practice areas of interest. Everyone at the firm is friendly and highly intelligent, contributing to a genuine collaborative culture. Additionally, the Hudson Yards New York office is brand new with many amenities, creating an inviting atmosphere where I want to work.
What were you most excited about for this opportunity?
I was most excited to do impactful work with world-class attorneys and to join a firm focused on excellence across the board.
What has been your experience like working at Debevoise? Can you describe your day-to-day work?
My day-to-day work has included due diligence and deal issue spotting for clients within M&A, credit agreement drafting with finance, dividend litigation research within restructuring, and knowledge management projects within capital markets.
What has been your favorite part of the experience so far?
The best part about my experience and Debevoise more broadly has been the people. Everyone is incredibly authentic, friendly, and thoughtful.
How do you think this summer experience will help you when you return to Fordham Law?
For my legal education, this summer opportunity has provided tangible context for what I am learning in the classroom. For my career, it has helped refine my path into what will hopefully become a long and successful career in law and business.
Follow @fordhamlawnyc to read more student stories in our #futurefordhamlawyers series.